Arno Van Der Merwe, Chief Executive Officer of TY Logistics Nigeria, has outlined an ambitious approach to tackling long-standing inefficiencies in the country’s logistics sector, emphasising innovation, integration, and technology as central to sustainable solutions.
In an interview with ARISE NEWS on Saturday, Van Der Merwe detailed the systemic challenges confronting logistics operators in Nigeria and across West Africa, highlighting fragmented customs processes, inadequate intermodal connections between ports, rail, and road, and significant gaps in infrastructure as key barriers, of which these inefficiencies, he noted, cost Nigerian companies approximately $1.7 billion annually, equivalent to around 1% of the nation’s GDP.
“There is an investment on infrastructure, we’ve got fragmented customs processes, and we have limited intermodal connections. Within that, that’s where we find an absolute opportunity to start something. The beginning of the solution starts with complete integration. This is combining the old traditional clearing and forwarding together with inventory contract logistics, together with route-to-market solutions, We call this a sustainable platform. We call it an ecosystem.”
According to Van Der Merwe, TY Logistics’ integrated system drastically reduces turnaround times for port operations. “One of the biggest delays right now in the country is port access, moving containers in and out. It takes 18 to 21 days. Within our system and within our asset-owned environment, we are able to clear those containers within five to six days. This obviously improves efficiencies, enables clients to plan better with their stock movements, their demand forecasting, and reduces tied-up capital,” he explained.
Strategically based in the Lekki Free Zone, TY Logistics is positioned to service both the Nigerian market and the broader West African region. “Our aim, our strategy is to bring global standards to Nigeria and make this the preferred corridor for business within West Africa.”
Van Der Merwe highlighted the unique advantages of operating within the Free Zone. “You can keep your stock in the Free Zone indefinitely without paying duties. The only time actual duty gets triggered is on a consignment basis. There’s zero corporate taxes, zero withholding taxes, 100% ownership of your business, and 100% repatriation of foreign capital. All these benefits encourage both local and international businesses to come to Nigeria and make this corridor their preferred choice for trade.”
Technology, he noted, is at the core of TY Logistics’ operations. “We have a complete system-driven run environment. It offers real-time data, end-to-end visibility, and necessary analytics to make informed decisions, manage inventory better, and grow market share. Everything is system-driven; customers can send requests via email and get reports without visiting the park.”
He also underscored the importance of strategic partnerships and sustainability in logistics. “A lot of logistics is about reliability and sustainability. We own our assets, scope our facilities with our solutions engineers to accommodate diverse challenges in the economy, and enable our customers to grow their market share. We’re here for the long term, and we aim to build the market together with our clients.”
TY Logistics caters to a wide range of sectors, including technology, fashion, agriculture, and chemicals, providing tailor-made solutions rather than generic services. “We pride ourselves on being a multi-user, multi-sector business. Whether a client has 10 pallets or 1,000, they’re treated the same way. We are very flexible around pricing and solutions, and we build systems to solve clients’ specific challenges,” Van Der Merwe said.
He also stressed TY Logistics’ competitive edge within the Nigerian logistics landscape. “We are unique within the industry. Operating within the Free Zone, with grade A facilities and a complete systems-driven environment, all pegged around a digitalised hub, sets us apart and allows us to scale efficiently. We provide end-to-end solutions, from port operations, clearing and forwarding, contract logistics, to route-to-market solutions, positioning ourselves as strategic long-term partners for our clients.”
Van Der Merwe concluded by emphasising that modern, system-driven logistics is essential for Nigeria to fully leverage its regional trade potential. “No international commodity can move without sustainable, reliable, and system-driven logistics. Our role is to provide complete end-to-end visibility and analytics, enabling clients to make informed decisions, optimise operations, and grow in a competitive market,” he said.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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